Democratic Party on Jobs

Party Platform

Bridge to Work: help the long-term unemployed

When President Obama took office, the economy was in the deepest economic crisis since the Great Depression. Just as the recession was not created overnight, we knew it would take time to recover from the crisis--and more needs to be done. Last
September, President Obama put forward the American Jobs Act to provide an immediate boost to the economy and strengthen the recovery. We have already enacted key parts of the American Jobs Act--payroll tax relief, tax credits for businesses that hire
veterans, and an extension of unemployment insurance that also included reforms like work-sharing, a "Bridge to Work" to help the long-term unemployed reconnect with the labor force, and support for unemployed workers looking to become entrepreneurs.
But Republicans in Congress blocked other provisions that independent analysis said could create one million jobs.

Create jobs that stay in America

We will create jobs that stay in America and restore opportunity for all Americans, starting with raising the minimum wage, expanding Pell grants and making college tuition tax deductible.
We also believe in budget discipline that reduces our deficit.

Democrats believe that the most effective way to increase opportunity for our families is a high quality, good paying job.
The Democratic Party supports fair trade agreements that raise standards for all workers here and abroad, while making
American businesses more competitive, and we don’t believe in tax giveaways that reward companies for moving American jobs overseas.

Source: 2006 Democratic Party Congressional Promise
, Nov 1, 2006

A strong America begins with good jobs that support families

A strong America keeps the promise of opportunity for all and heeds the warning of special privileges for none. That’s the America we believe in. George Bush values wealth over hard work, lavishes special treatment upon a fortunate few at the expense of
most businesses and working people, and defends policies that weaken America’s competitive position and destroy American jobs.

We believe that a strong America begins at home, with good jobs that support families and an equal chance for all our people.
We believe in progress that brings prosperity for all Americans, not just for those who are already successful. We believe that good jobs will help strengthen & expand the strongest middle class the world has ever known. We believe the private sector,
not government, is the engine of economic growth and job creation. Government’s responsibility is to create an environment that will promote private sector investment, foster vigorous competition, and strengthen the foundations of an innovative economy.

Change tax system to not encourage shipping jobs overseas

Tax reform to create jobs. Today’s tax law provides big breaks for companies that send American jobs overseas.
Current “deferral” policies allow American companies to avoid paying American taxes on the income earned by their foreign subsidiaries.
John Kerry and John Edwards will end deferral that encourages companies to ship jobs overseas, and they will close other loopholes to make the tax code work for the American worker.
They’ll use the savings to offer tax cuts for companies that produce goods and create jobs here at home. Under John Kerry and John Edwards, 99 percent of American businesses will pay lower taxes than today.

Protect workers’ right to organize

Gore will protect the forty-hour workweek, overtime requirements, the Davis-Bacon act and the Service Contract act. He has proposed reforming government contracting rules to ensure that taxpayer dollars do not go to companies that break basic labor laws.
We are fighting for new ergonomic standards and whistle-blower protections. We need a new law banning permanent striker replacement workers. We should stiffen penalties for employer interference with the right to organize.

The rights of low income workers must be protected

Millions of workers will continue to labor in jobs that pay low wages. Many of these are women, people
of color, or immigrants. Their work has great dignity. Democrats are committed to ensuring that these workers - no less than their counterparts in more highly-skilled, better paid positions - are treated with dignity and fairness.

Democrats will strengthen safety net for family farmers

Farmers should receive incentives to conserve soil and improving farming and forestry techniques. The Republican Freedom to Farm Act has resulted in years of low prices and necessitated billion dollar bailouts. It is misguided and must be changed.
Family farmers who work hard and smart should be able not only to survive but to thrive.